First Engine to Two Alarm Dwelling Fire (Fire Box 39-21)

May 17th, 2004

Jacksonville was alerted mid-afternoon on Monday for the report of a house struck by lightning and on fire in Cockeysville's district. Since there was already a working fire in the area, many of the neighboring units were committed. Cockeysville's Special Unit was the first to respond. While still en route, they came across a tree that was blocking the road and would have hindered the apparatus from going to the house. The crew had to stop to cut it away to make way for other units. They continued to the house, arrived at location, set up command, and advised that had heavy fire through the roof. Jacksonville's engine was the first engine to arrive. Command reported that no one was inside. We laid a five inch supply line from the end of the driveway and put a hand line in service. Within minutes, command asked for a tanker-strike team and second alarm. The next engine picked up our line and began supplying more water to us. Other crews arrived shortly and an aggressive interior attack continued. In all, our engine was pumping a total of four hand lines. A tanker shuttle, including our second engine, was put into effect for a continuous water supply. Crews made a very good attack on the fire and contained it to the second floor. The Battalion Chief arrived and assumed command. Primary search turned up negative and the fire was placed under control in approximately half an hour. Additional crews checked for extension while other crews were rotated to the rehab units and to Jacksonville's air unit to fill up SCBA bottles. The incident lasted approximately four hours. Jacksonville had 11 personnel on the scene and an additional 6 standing by at the station. We would like to thank all the companies that were there, including: 39, 44, 43, 41, 1, 45, 50, 31, 49, 29, 2, 56, 14, 53, and the Rehab Units for good teamwork and a job well done.